Solid Fuel Scaffold for Hydrogen Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen generation systems using sodium borohydride face issues with limited durability of catalysts, clogging due to sodium metaborate by-products, and restricted hydrogen generation capacity, as the by-product precipitates and blocks reactor channels, limiting the system's efficiency to 3.2 wt% hydrogen production.
Innovation Solution
A solid fuel system comprising sodium borohydride embedded within a scaffold structure formed by catalyst-loaded fibers and a binder, which constrains the sodium metaborate by-product, preventing clogging and allowing continuous hydrogen generation, with the catalyst-loaded fibers acting as both a catalyst carrier and immobilizing the reactants within the scaffold structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aqueous sodium borohydride solution is used as fuel, then the system can operate continuously, but the hydrogen generation capacity is limited to 3.2 wt% due to sodium metaborate precipitation and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of sodium borohydride from aqueous solution to solid form, and changes the state of sodium metaborate from soluble to insoluble by controlling reaction conditions. This allows the by-product to precipitate in a controlled manner within the scaffold structure rather than forming clogging crystals in solution, enabling both high hydrogen generation capacity and continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite scaffold structure made of hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials that combines the advantages of both material types. The hydrophilic regions allow water transport and reaction, while the hydrophobic regions prevent sodium metaborate accumulation and clogging, enabling continuous high-capacity hydrogen generation
2Productivity
If solid sodium borohydride is used directly for hydrolysis, then hydrogen generation capacity increases, but sodium metaborate crystallization blocks catalyst surface and reactor channels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a porous scaffold structure with controlled pore sizes and distributions that allows water to penetrate and react with solid sodium borohydride while preventing sodium metaborate crystals from forming large blocking structures. The porous structure provides channels for reactant transport and product release, maintaining high hydrogen generation capacity without clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold structure acts as an intermediary between solid sodium borohydride and water, facilitating the hydrolysis reaction while controlling the formation and distribution of sodium metaborate by-products. The scaffold mediates the interaction between reactants and prevents direct contact between catalyst and clogging by-products
3Power
If heterogeneous catalysts are used in hydrogen generation systems, then the catalytic activity is high, but the catalyst durability is limited leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable solid fuel cartridge containing sodium borohydride and catalyst that is replaced when depleted. This eliminates the need for complex catalyst regeneration systems and ensures consistent high catalytic activity throughout the fuel's lifetime, making the system more cost-effective despite the catalyst's limited durability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables continuous and stable hydrogen production, enhancing the hydrogen generation capacity beyond the 3.2 wt% limit, ensuring uninterrupted hydrolysis reactions and reducing catalyst costs by increasing the contact area between catalysts and sodium borohydride, while preventing blockages and maintaining reactor efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
releases hydrogen through the following hydrolysis reaction with the assistance of catalysts: NaBH4+2H2O→NaBO2+4H2
Implementation Method 2
A solid fuel system comprising sodium borohydride embedded within a scaffold structure formed by catalyst-loaded fibers and a binder, which constrains the sodium metaborate by-product
Implementation Method 3
releases hydrogen through the following hydrolysis reaction with the assistance of catalysts: NaBH4+2H2O→NaBO2+4H2
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solid fuel, a system and a method for generating hydrogen. The solid fuel comprises sodium borohydride, catalyst loaded fibres and a binder, wherein the catalyst loaded fibres and the binder form a scaffold structure within which the sodium borohydride is positioned. The system comprises a fuel cartridge containing the solid fuel of the present invention for generating hydrogen gas, a reactor configured to house the fuel cartridge, a tank for storing water, a pump and a liquid conduit for conveying water from the tank to the fuel cartridge housed within the reactor to induce a hydrolysis reaction of the solid fuel contained in the fuel cartridge and a controller for regulating flow of the water.